Long-time Maitland councillor Philip Penfold looks set to become Maitland's new mayor.
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According to the NSW Electoral Commission's website, preferences have been distributed and Cr Penfold is ahead with 22,127 votes or 51.34% of the vote.
Cr Baker had 20,976 votes (48.66%).
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In a brief statement to The Mercury Cr Penfold said: "I'm heartened by the support of the community of Maitland and honoured by the trust they have put in me to move the city forward as Mayor.
"I'd like to thank Councillor Baker for her contribution to the city in the past term and look forward to working with her and all elected councillors in the coming term."
Cr Baker made history when she became Maitland's first female mayor following the election in September 2017.
She took the place of long-time local government leader and state MP Peter Blackmore who retired from civic duties.
Cr Baker was still busy carrying out mayoral duties on Monday and said she was not commenting until the official declaration later this week.
However on her Facebook page she thanked the people of Maitland in the following post:
"It's been an honour and privilege to serve as Maitland's first ever female mayor.
"I'm immensely proud of what we've been able to achieve over the past four years.
"New sports facilities, new community centres, new footpaths, new cycleways, fifteen-thousand new saplings and trees planted, and exciting new projects being delivered over the next twelve months.
"I thank the people of Central Ward who have returned me as their representative.
"And I thank everyone who supported me as mayor.
"However, the people have spoken, and in a democracy, they never get it wrong.
"Building a better Maitland has always been my priority, and treating each other with dignity, decency and respect.
"That's what you can continue to expect of me.
"Thank you, Maitland."
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